IMG is the most common file name for images coming from cameras, used in many phones and DSLRs, including the Google Pixel format. Google, however, seeks to distinguish files created by the Pixel line’s excellent cameras, though. Starting with Google Camera version 7.5, currently only available for devices running the Android 11 beta, image file names will start with PXL instead of IMG.
The new naming convention will also include motion pictures directly next to the rest of the images. You will no longer see them with the name MVIMG, but instead you will see something like PXL_20200819_155830631.MP.jpg. Similar changes have been made to Night Sight creations and portraits, now called something like PXL_20200819_162459593.NIGHT.jpg or PXL_2020_0820_132953656.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg. This should make it easier to spot different types of photos just by looking at the file name. The same change also applies to videos, although it can be annoying because there is no way to easily tell videos and photos apart anymore if you do not see the file type.
Since this also changes how images are sorted on external storage spaces as well as in cloud services, you may need to use them to refresh your images if you want to have chronological photos from multiple phones or cameras. The name change can also affect automated upload routines that rely on name schemes, so keep that in mind as Android 11 now makes it to your Pixel.
As mentioned, version 7.5 is currently only available on Android 11. The APK page download to a phone with Android 10 or older does not work, but if you are already on Android 11, you can download the latest release of APK Mirror. So it is likely that the change will only come into full effect for anyone using Pixel phones, as the upgrade to the new Android release rolls out later this year.
- Thanks:
- Armando,
- Nick,
- and Brady
